View Single Post
Old 06-16-2021, 06:46 PM   #24
MikeK
Senior Member
 
MikeK's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Windy City
Posts: 2,919
Default Re: Alternator Always Charging

Quote:
Originally Posted by Badpuppy View Post
To MikeK's point - optimum battery charge voltage is 7.2 -7.9 volts for a 6V battery, twice that for 12V (14.4 - 15.8). Most regulators are set near the midpoint, 7.4 & 14.8, for fast charging with no boilout.
I would respectfully disagree with that completely. The voltage ranges you spec apply to independent external chargers, not factory spec mechanical generator regulators or integrated regulation multi-wire alternators as originally factory installed.

If left on for extended time or frequently applied to an already fully charged battery those charger set points you list WILL take their toll on a battery.

The regulators set with set-points you list are one-wire jobs or cheap replacements that lack temperature and time compensation that will reduce the initial set voltage significantly, generally in less than 20 minutes of operation. Those replacement aftermarket regulators also lose or lack the ability to remotely sense voltage, usually at a major junction point far from the device output terminal.
MikeK is offline   Reply With Quote